The Masters of Darkness - Season 1

Episode 6: Bittersweet

Summary: After Natalie goes missing, N. Tropy makes it his main goal to search for her.

"Could you explain...what in the world...that was?!"

Nearly every member of the organization had been summoned to the meeting room. They shook in their seats as they stared at their leader. Although they could not see her expression due to the hood obscuring her face, they could sense her disappointment.

Charlie stammered, "W-We were...about to, um, destroy those hooligans...and then..."

"Could someone else answer my question?" Subject 21 asked impatiently.

"I do not think I can give you the answer that you seek," Ashleigh spoke up, "but I must inform you of something that transpired on the canyon."

"This had better be important...for your sake."

"Oh, it is. I am certain that I'm not the only one who has experienced this, but Helena keeps interfering with my - our - plans. Her exact goals are unclear. One minute she's assisting the chosen one, and the next she is acting against them."

"Helena?" questioned Cynthia. "Why is that name so familiar?"

"She betrayed us a year ago, remember?"

"Oh, that's right."

"What a coincidence," 21 chuckled. "I was hoping she would show her face again. I have some unfinished business that must be taken care of. Now, you all may leave while I think of the proper punishment. Oh, and if you see Helena again, inform me immediately."

With that, her minions took their leave. She sighed heavily as she sat in her throne once more. As she looked out the window, she thought, Helena, my old friend, it is time to pay for your transgressions.

The sound of crashing from the other side of the room interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see her favorite vase, now lying in pieces on the stone floor. A portal appeared soon after, with a familiar individual stepping through.

21's eyes widened as she exclaimed, "Helena?!"

***

They weren't sure why, but when Beatrix and company returned to the mansion, Henry had a somber expression. Coco approached him and asked, "What's wrong?"

"If you would all take a seat," the man said, "I have a bit of explaining to do."

Everyone did as instructed, gazing at Henry as they sat. He cleared his throat in preparation to give what would be a rather long explanation. He heaved a sigh as he stared at the floor. When he lifted his head again, pure discomfort was visible in his expression.

He looked around the room as he began, "I'm sure you all know by now what your exact goals are."

"We are to locate anyone else who may be involved in this ridiculous prophecy," Beatrix spat.

"That is correct, but it isn't just that. Listen to me carefully, for I have much to say. What I am about to tell you doesn't just have to do with the organization, but Helena as well."

"Did something happen?" Crash asked.

"I am afraid so. I have tried to contact her for about a week now, but she hasn't returned any of my calls. This is unlike her, and I fear that something may have happened to her."